Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine

Ise Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It was first built in the 26th year of Emperor Suinin's reign (year 4), and its primary deity is Amaterasu Ōmikami. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with much of its grounds covered in forest, commonly referred to as the Shrine Forest, while the shrine itself is known as the Inner Precinct Forest. The Shrine Forest is dominated by Mount Kamiji, Mount Shijiri, and Mount Takakura, covering an area of up to 5,410 hectares, of which 2,500 hectares are natural forests and the rest are planted forests.

Ise Grand Shrine primarily consists of the Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine. The Inner Shrine, known as Kotai Jingu, enshrines Amaterasu Ōmikami; the Outer Shrine, called Toyouke Daijingu, enshrines Toyouke Ōmikami. In addition, there are a series of auxiliary shrines including Beppyo Shrines, sessha, massha, and related shrines, collectively referred to as the Shrine, and commonly known as the 125 Shrines of Ise. To maintain the purity and solemnity of the shrine buildings, the main hall of Ise Grand Shrine is rebuilt every 20 years exactly as the previous one—a tradition known as the Shikinen Sengu. Materials from the dismantled shrine buildings are then repurposed for other shrine structures within the complex or donated to shrines across Japan for reuse.

Ise Grand Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Japan. The Meiji government once designated it as the pinnacle of State Shinto. After World War II, it was established as the head shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines, the central authority for shrines nationwide. Since Prime Minister Eisaku Satō (who served as Japan’s Prime Minister from 1964 to 1972) visited in 1967, it has become customary for the Prime Minister to pay a visit on January 4th at the start of the construction year.

Ise Grand Shrine

Must-visit reason: The most iconic representation of Japanese shrines

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Province/State where the attraction is located: Mie Prefecture

City where the attraction is located: Ise